House Approves Carter Legislation to Allow Expansion of Fort Frederica National Monument

Press Release

The United States House of Representatives unanimously passed Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter's (GA-01) legislation today to expand the Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island. The legislation will increase the maximum number of authorized acres that may be included in the monument from 250 to 305. Due to current statute, legislation is required to expand the authorized boundary and remove the current 250-acre ceiling established by Congress in 1958. The legislation now moves to the United States Senate for consideration.

"The First District of Georgia is home to many historic treasures and Fort Frederica National Monument is a shining example," said Carter. "I am excited this legislation was approved by the House today moving it one step closer to preserving Fort Frederica's legacy. The expansion of the monument is critical to ensure future generations are given the opportunity to learn about the fort's history first hand for years to come. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take swift action on this important legislation."

The areas being assessed by the National Park Service for inclusion in the Fort Frederica National Monument are within the direct viewshed of the park including the fort, King's magazine, tabby ruins of soldiers' barracks, and other trails. The areas were once used by the British Town of Frederica founded in 1736 by General James Edward Oglethorpe. Based on archival data and a reconnaissance study, there is a high potential that the remains of a colonial cannon battery, Point Battery, exists within the southern area. The northern area is believed to have been used as a campground for troops in 1743.

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